Drop in Fatal Collisions

IIHS LogoA recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety suggests that the declining death rate in vehicle crashes since 1994 is due to the protection provided by improvements in automotive design. It is not due to enforcement, changes in highway design standards or increased driver competence. It comments on our increasingly hazardous traffic environment and cautions against the increased travel speeds favoured by today's drivers.

Stopping in Intersections

Stopping at IntersectionIn Penticton there is a left hand turning lane from Fairview Road onto the Channel Parkway. Industrial Avenue intersects Fairview Road close to that intersection. Often if there is a line up of cars in the left hand turning lane, some will leave a space for cars to go through from Industrial onto Fairview. I wondered if this is what you are supposed to do or if this just makes it more dangerous because those passing through onto Fairview may not be able to see traffic from the other lane on Fairview.

Helmets

Motorcycle HelmetIs there a difference between the helmet laws which make it law to wear a helmet on a bicycle,and the wearing of one on a motorcycle? The reason I ask is that I ride both a motorcycle and a bicycle.

Business Vehicles

Commercial TruckAdvertising is a concern for all businesses. It is meant to draw attention to the business and encourage customers to visit and spend their money on the products and services offered. Many businesses take advantage of company vehicles to act as a moving billboard by placing graphics on the outside. What kind of advertising is your business vehicle doing?

Yielding to Emergency Vehicles

Fire TruckI wonder if you would mind commenting on stopping at the side of the road to allow emergency vehicles to pass? So many times when I pull off to the edge of the road and stop, people either don't pull off or else they just pull onto the shoulder and travel at a low rate of speed.

Parking on the Shoulder

image of vehicles parking on shoulder of the roadIn light of a number of somewhat recent accidents involving vehicles (buses) rear-ending other vehicles (trucks) parked on the side of the road perhaps you could address the rules that apply to parking on the shoulder. In addition I am curious about the flagging or flares required to warn drivers of these parked vehicles.

Limited Speed Motorcycles

Limited Speed MotorcycleDoes the price at the pump have you thinking economy? If so, you are not alone. One reader has asked about limited speed motorcycles. They have heard that you can ride one with a regular driver's licence and don't have to get a class six.

Personal Security

VIN PlateI have been asked two questions about personal security that are vehicle related lately. One concerns blocking your vehicle identification number (VIN) plate so that it cannot be read by anyone and the other is carrying a photocopy of your vehicle licence and insurance document with the address on it removed. Both are attempts to thwart the potential actions of thieves.

Eyewitness!

Intersection CrashI was driving through Nanaimo on a day off and approching an intersection showing me a green light. Just as I entered, I heard a loud crash and glanced to my left. One vehicle had attempted a turn across the highway and had gotten into the way of oncoming traffic.

I glanced into my rearview mirror and watched the car cross over the highway behind me and stop in the ditch. What to do now?